Addis Ababa, November 16, 2024 (FBC) – The World Bank Country Director renewed the Bank’s commitment to supporting Ethiopia’s Urban Productive Safety Net Project (UPSNP).
World Bank Country Director for Ethiopia, Eritrea, Sudan and South Sudan, Maryam Salim along with other delegates from the bank visited today some of the key UPSNP initiatives financed by the bank such as school feeding program, Women’s Rehabilitation and Skill Development Center as well as youth apprenticeship programs in Addis Ababa.
The UPSNP initiative benefited over 400,000 people in its first phase of 2016 to 2022 and it has made a significant impact on the community and the environment, it was learned.
Visiting Urban Productive Safety Net Project initiatives, the country director said the visit was aimed at reviewing various urban productivity safety net programs supported by the World Bank focusing on their impact and potential for future engagements.
“One of the things we’re doing is reviewing the existing programs, as you know from the recent reforms; the government now is taking the ownership and the initiative in terms of supporting the safety net program. So now, we as the World Bank and other partners are going to look at how we take it to the next level…”
Salim is also anticipated to witness the Productive Safety Net Program in rural Ethiopia and review its effectiveness.
Speaking on the Urban Productive Safety Net Project in the capital, the country director commended the impactful achievements such as the school feeding program, a vital food initiative that provides meals to students.
Proper nutrition is essential for children’s growth, health, and education, she said, emphasizing that without adequate meals, children cannot thrive academically.
The school feeding program is currently executed in collaboration with the Addis Ababa City Administration and ensures students receive both breakfast and lunch, it was indicated.
Most importantly, it is believed to be the school feeding program laying a foundation for students’ future success.
The Country Director also highlighted the importance of vocational training programs that equip young people with skills necessary for employment.
Through the project, training are being facilitated in collaboration with local Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) centers and private sector firms.
According to her, the results have been promising, with many TVET graduates securing fulfilling jobs and gaining essential life support, including transportation and meals.
Moreover, Salim expressed the World Bank’s commitment to continuing its support for such initiatives, particularly job creation for the youth.
“Another reason why we are here looking at how we can continue to support such initiatives going forward. How do we take it to the next level and to really develop jobs for the future? That’s really a critical agenda for us, the World Bank, getting jobs for the people and giving opportunities for young people.”
Addis Ababa City Administration Labor and Skill Bureau Head with the Rank of Deputy Mayor, Tiratu Beyene on his part said that Urban Productive Safety Net Project is one of the most important initiatives to address urban poverty and support vulnerable communities.
The project is amongst the first urban safety net programs financed by the World Bank in both Ethiopia and other African countries, he added.
Currently, UPSNP in its second phase, the project has been expanding its reach to address urban poverty and unemployment in a more comprehensive manner.
“This phase emphasizes in enhancing laborhood, facilitating labor market integration especially for the youth, and providing support to the vulnerable populations such as elderly, persons with disability and homeless. Currently, the project supports around 223,332 beneficiaries with 61 percent of them being women; and we are excited to scale up this impact further.”
Lauding the World Bank for its support, Tiratu said Ethiopia is eager to strengthen collaboration and further advance impactful initiatives of the Urban Productive Safety Net Project, ENA reported.
“As we continue this journey, Ethiopia is eagerly looking towards strengthening collaboration with the World Bank to further advance such impactful initiatives.”